Parks at University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
55
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,308/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (508,800 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 45 Parks programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

This program's strong performance stems directly from the robust outdoor recreation and tourism economy throughout Colorado and the broader Mountain West. University of Northern Colorado's established reputation within this field means employers actively recruit graduates for roles managing public parks, municipal recreation centers, major ski resorts, and private leisure facilities. You'll enter a job market with a clear demand for skilled professionals who understand operations, budgeting, and guest experience. The career paths you see reflect a clear progression from supervisory roles to general management positions, where your practical experience directly translates into higher earning potential. The moderate AI risk reflects that these are hands-on, human-centric roles demanding adaptability and problem-solving. To maximize your success, actively pursue internships with diverse organizations – whether a state park, a resort, or a city's recreation department – to build a network and gain invaluable practical skills while you study.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Parks graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $550K $547K $506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.4x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.2x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 40% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 55 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$48,040
Out-of-state: $104,816 (5.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,828
-54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,875
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,189
59% growth from Year 1

About University of Northern Colorado

A 86% acceptance rate means University of Northern Colorado is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,693 students in Greeley, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Colorado →

Top Career Paths

Facilities managers $104,690/yr
General and operations managers $102,950/yr
Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling $77,180/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Parks at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Northern Colorado

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Parks at University of Northern Colorado?
At 55/100, University of Northern Colorado's Parks program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is University of Northern Colorado one of the best schools for Parks?
Among 45 Parks programs, University of Northern Colorado's #8 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →